While reviewing audit reports of the Finance Division for the fiscal years 2010-11 and 2013-14, a Sub-Committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Ms. Shahida Akhtar Ali, expressed strong disapproval over the payment of an irregular house rent allowance (HRA) to a former director general of the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) and ordered the recovery of the funds, The News reported.
According to audit officials, the former DG was paid house rent allowance from November 2007 to June 2013, despite being allocated official accommodation, a clear violation of regulations.
Representatives from the Finance Division acknowledged the improper payment and confirmed that recovery proceedings had been initiated.Â
The finance secretary informed the committee that the officer, employed by the State Bank of Pakistan, still had funds with the bank, and that the bank would be requested to assist with the recovery process.
PAC Sub-Committee Convener Shahida Akhtar Ali expressed her displeasure, stating that earlier action could have prevented the lapse. She directed the Finance Division to expedite the recovery process and report progress during the committee’s next sitting.
